New Pekin, Indiana
New Pekin is a town located in Washington County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,334.
History
The land for the town of New Pekin was first entered on August 25, 1818, the original town plat was made on December 23, 1883 and was incorporated in 1903 in order to provide funds to build and operate a school.
"Old" Pekin
In 1831 Christian Bixler laid out the town of Pekin on the south side of Mutton Fork, Blue River. Before 1831 the location of Old Pekin was a stage stop, where horses were watered and changed. As early as 1830 stages were making regular runs in this area.
The town prospered until 1851 when the railroad was completed. The train sation station was built on the more level north side of Blue River. Buisnesses gradually migrated to the other location. In 1854 the County Commissioners declared the town vacant and the area became known as Old Pekin.
Forth of July Celebration
The town of New Pekin claims the distinction of having the oldest contiunous Independence Day celebration in the United States of America.
Pekin began celebrating Independence Day in the year 1830. Not too many historical facts about the earliest celebrations, the little information available comes in the form of stories. The first 3 years of the celebration were held at the homes of 3 different families. It mainly consisted of family picnics and meeting up with old friends. In 1883, the Washington and Clark County Fair Association was formed and was located where the Pekin Community Park is today. Because of a disagreement as to where the celebration would be located there were 2 separate celebrations held that year. In 1884, work on the fairgrounds north of Blue River was completed. In 1884 an agreement was reached and the 4th of July program was held at these fairgrounds. Later the fairgrounds were renamed Gill's Grove and today it is known as Pekin Community Park.
Today the celebration consists of hot-air balloon race, a fireworks display a parade, live bands, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, carnival, food vendors, a flea market, reading of the United States Declaration of Independence, prince & princess contest, Horseshoe Pitching Contest, and a queen contest.
Morgan's Raid
On July 11, 1863, while crossing Blue River near New Pekin, Captain William J. Davis of Morgan's Raid and some of his men were captured by 73rd Indiana Volunteers and a detachment of the 5th U.S. Regulars. Captain Davis and several other soldiers were taken to New Albany, Indiana and secured in the county jail.
Geography
New Pekin is located at 38°30'13" North, 86°0'53" West (38.503585, -86.014816)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 6.1 km² (2.4 mi²). 6.0 km² (2.3 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.27% water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 1,334 people, 529 households, and 365 families residing in the town. The population density is 221.1/km² (571.4/mi²). There are 571 housing units at an average density of 94.6/km² (244.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 98.28% White, 0.15% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.52% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. 1.27% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 529 households out of which 37.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% are married couples living together, 10.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.0% are non-families. 27.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.52 and the average family size is 3.04.
In the town the population is spread out with 26.8% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 32.8% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 99.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 94.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $32,546, and the median income for a family is $34,938. Males have a median income of $26,739 versus $21,346 for females. The per capita income for the town is $14,710. 17.1% of the population and 11.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 20.3% of those under the age of 18 and 18.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Major ancestry groups reported by New Pekin residents include:
- English - 11%
- French - 2%
- German - 18%
- Hispanic - 1%
- Irish - 17%
- Italian - 1%
- Scottish - 2%
References
- New Albany Daily Ledger, July 13, 1863
- American Legion Pekin Post 203, The. History of Pekin, Indiana (1959). The American Legion Pekin Post 203